Best Value French: Chne Bleu Ablard 2011
Region: Rhône Valley | ABV: 14.5% | Tasting Notes: Black cherry, Red licorice, Earth, Warm cinnamon
From an ancient property at the cornerstone of four appellations in Frances Southern Rhône, near the town of Gigondas and situated in Mont Ventoux, comes this absolute marvel of a wine. Owners Nicole and Xavier Rolet are incapable of making a bad wine, and incredibly, they’ve taken the extraordinary step of aging their wine for a generous amount of time prior to release. The vintage they currently have on the market is the 2012, but its terribly hard to find. Luckily, the 2011 is up for grabs: A decade-aged Rhône red consisting mostly of grenache, it is a testament to the efforts of these renegade vintners.
Wild red berry fruit, blackberry jam, French vanilla bean and garrigue layered with cigar box spices. Silky soft, elongated tannins support a panoply of flavors, from warm cinnamon and brown sugar spices to curry powder-dusted red berry fruit, with generous dollops of black cherry and red licorice. It finishes with grippy acidity and vivid earthy notes.
Region: Douro, Portugal | ABV: 13.8% | Tasting Notes: Cranberry, Raspberry, Blood Orange, Cedar
What Are The Benefits Of Merlot Wine
Related Articles
Red wine has a number of potential health benefits when consumed in moderation. The merlot varietal contains several vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The antioxidants in red wine may have heart-healthy benefits, in addition to the possible health benefits of moderate alcohol intake in general.
Tip
While merlot and other red wines are not conclusively more healthful than other varieties of alcohol, occasional consumption is shown to be healthy.
Decanter’s Top Rated Merlot
While rates other Merlot blends slightly higher, the 2005 Château L’Ãvangile is the magazine’s top rated blend that has a high percentage of Merlot . It also has some Cabernet Franc added for balance and structure. awarded the 2005 vintage 99 points, but you’ll pay a premium for this wine at about $300 per bottle. Wine Spectator rated the same vintage 100 points, so it’s clearly a very good wine, and other vintages fare quite well, too. For example, the 2018 vintage received a 97 point rating.
Don’t Miss: Bridesmaid Wine Bottles
Hands Merlot 2015 $12
Courtesy of 14 Hands Winery
Classic Washington State Merlot, 14 Hands Winery is getting things done with this well-presented, budget-friendly Merlot. Clean lines, ripe red fruit, a touch of earthy, herbal character and plush tannins, make this a Merlot to find and keep on hand. Always a crowd-pleaser, even for those who swore off Merlot a decade ago in search of Pinot. This wine is “food-friendly” and pairs well with most foods.
Best Italian: Girolamo Russo A Rina Etna Rosso
Courtesy of Vivino
Region: Etna, Sicily, Italy | ABV: 13.5% ABV | Tasting Notes: Red berries, Ash, Black pepper, Clove
Love Italian reds from Piedmont, Tuscany, and beyond? If youve never dove into the world of earthy Sicilian reds, specifically from Etna, we cant recommend them enough.
These earthy, soil-driven wines come from the ash-laden volcanic soils of the region, which impart an undeniable mineral quality to the juice. This mouthwatering expression oozes with flavors of red berries, smoky ash, black pepper and clove.
I love a good Nerello Mascalese from Sicily. Theres something about that volcanic rusticity and high-toned cherry notes that strike a chord with me. … If the red wine is mostly mass produced, then its a no-no for me. Sylvester Inda, Wine Manager, CoolVines Powerhouse
Read Also: Roast Lamb Wine Pairing
Should I Refrigerate Merlot After Opening
In general, it’s a good idea to refrigerate all wines after opening them: The coldness slows down the process of oxidation, which is what negatively impacts an open bottle after a few days. If you don’t finish the bottle in one evening, re-cork it, place it in the refrigerator, and take it out the next day 30 – 45 minutes before pouring it. If you want to enjoy a glass of Merlot sooner than that, pour a glass immediately, as a single glass of wine will lose its chill far faster than a bottle will. In general, however, Merlotand all wineshould be consumed within 3 or 4 days of opening it for the most enjoyable experience.
Browse our full selection of Merlot online or check out our selection of highly-rated Merlot for a great new Merlot to try this week!
Beringer Main & Vine Merlot
Beringer Main & Vine is a mass-produced, extremely inexpensive Merlot, but you can find it just about anywhere. Still, Beringer produces a consistently respectable Merlot that is popular with wine drinkers on a budget, and for under $5 per bottle, you won’t be heartbroken if you find you don’t like it.
Also Check: Does Aldi Sell Wine In Maryland
The Various Forms Of Red Wine
Of course, this is just the beginning of your most exciting journey into the rich and satisfying world of red wine in Malaysia. Another big part of the discussion around wine and your enjoyment of the product stems from the style of red wine that you drink.
We have spoken above about the body nature of the red wines in Malaysia. Now we need to look at the various types and forms out there what are some of the most famous forms of red wine that you can find on the market when shopping around?
Merlot Versus Cabernet Sauvignon: Whats The Difference
Good question. While Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are different grapes, in blind tastings, it can be hard to differentiate them, especially when grown in cooler climates. Why? Because they come from the same family of grapes, sharing a parent, Cabernet Franc. Wines from this family have pyzrazines, aromatic organic chemical compounds that produce bell pepper and herbal notes that are more prominent in cooler regions. Plus, Merlot in cooler regions like its homeland of Bordeaux develops firmer tannins, more structure and savory character than in warm climates, making it easier to mistake for Cabernet Sauvignon. The two are often blending partners in red Bordeaux wine, Cabernet for its cassis, herbal undertones, and tannin structure and Merlot for its supple texture and ripe fruit. Merlot is usually cheaper, fruitier, and softer than Cabernet, and often perceived as less complex.
Don’t Miss: Buying Wine Barrels
Sette By Fratelli Wines
60% Sangiovese + 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
INR 1,700 for 750 ml.
13.5%
This one is a delicious red wine, boasting of rich flavours of smoky coffee and chocolate, topped off with a lingering finish. Sette is a wine vertical by Fratelli, a premium homegrown wine company that has successfully carved a niche for setting remarkable standards for Indian wines. The commendable Indian wine brand has released about 5 vintages of Sette with the first dating back to 2009, and has triumphantly answered the age-long question of “can Indian wines age?”. The 2017 vintage comes with woody, smoky aromas at first sniff, followed by subtle notes of tobacco and dark plum.
Image Courtesy – Salt & Sandals
INR 750 for 750 ml.
The Big Banyan Merlot is an exemplary red, packed with divine smoothness and soft, velvety tannins. This is a dry and medium-bodied wine, with a plummy finish that establishes it as a fun, free and easy wine every Indian novice connoisseur needs to get a taste of. It’s the perfect wine to savour on a warm evening, and the luscious wholesome taste you will be met with will dispel any scepticism you might have when picking the bottle. Pair this wine with grilled meat and vegetables, pasta, or lightly spiced Indian food.
Image Courtesy – Behance
What’s Good What’s Not So Good In Merlot
Not all Merlot is equal. That’s not an earth-shaking announcement the same can be said about any wine. Terroir, weather, and winemaker all influence a wine’s result from year to year. To find a good Merlot for less than $25, one has to draw a line somewhere, a point of demarcation that separates the good, the bad, and the mundane. So, the following are some general criteria to follow when in the wine shop and seeking a Merlot under $25.
- Stick to Napa.
- Flirt with Chile and Argentina.
- Look for a humdinger in Australia.
- When in doubt, ask your wine merchant for their advice. You don’t always have to take it but you only have yourself to blame when the Merlot turns out to be a black hole rather than a silky red of delight and pleasure.
Recommended Reading: Making Wine Bottle Glasses
Merlot Vineyards Are In Their Prime Right Now And These Are The Bottles To Get
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
Merlot makes a very tasty wine, period. You may not realize it, but wine made from merlot grapes is probably your favorite wine. Originating in the Bordeaux region of France, merlot is classically known for producing a softer, fleshier wine than its outsized counterpoint, cabernet sauvignon, which is often blended with merlot because the merlot softens the cabernet. Still, Merlot has a reputation for being a wine for first-time wine drinkers a wine with a light touch a starter wine of sorts.
Lucky for you, that reputation for merlot is hogwash. I witnessed one of the great wine writers of our time, Anthony Giglio, giving an impassioned closing speech during a merlot seminar, in which he stated that iconic merlot vineyards are now in their prime and making wines that are more approachable than cabernet but with cabernet structure to go the long haul. Ill say it, said Giglio, Cabernet takes a backseat to these modern merlots. They belong in your cellar and if you miss out you are really missing out.
Picking the best merlot requires tasting hundreds of them, which I have painstakingly done for years. Here is a list of outstanding merlot wines to drink on really any occasion.
Red Rock Merlot Review
- Aroma Red Cherries, Red Plum, Black Cherries, Cocoa, Smoke, Mint, Eucalyptus, Vanilla Spice
- Grapes Merlot
- Taste Black Berries, Black Currants, Chocolate, Jam, Black Pepper, Leather, Charred Oak
- Alcohol Content 13.5%
- Sugar Dry
- Pairing Grilled T-Bone Rib Eye Steak, Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Red Rock Merlot is a powerful, medium-to-full-bodied, but uniquely fruity Merlot from California State. It has spent a considerate amount on its lees and has aged for two months in oak barrels. Displaying superb aromas of cherry and plum along a few underlying hints of smoke and dried herbs, Red Rocks aromatic profile is the definition of American rock-and-roll, at least when it comes to wines.
On the mouth further, it is creamy and exhibits flavors of dark berry fruits. The finish is extraordinary and long, with notes of leather and chocolate, showcasing the Merlot character. Red Rock Merlot is a treat of wine, and when you are in confusion about what beverage to bring to the party or what to pair with those juicy grilled steaks at the boys barbecue, Red Rock is the safest choice.
Recommended Reading: How To Open A Wine Bottle With A Key
Food Pairings For Italian Merlot
Italian Merlot is an excellent food wine that pairs well with grilled meats, salmon, and mushroom dishes. The lighter versions can even pair with rich shellfish like prawns, scallops, and lobster. Italian Merlots go best with Italian foods such as tomato-based pasta, risotto, lasagna, and chicken braised in red wine.
Shafer Vineyards Napa Valley
Dangerously easy to swallow, says one reviewer. Like pudding. Or a goldfish in a frat house. We almost want to stop there, except this Merlot actually offers some rich, juicy fruit and supple tannin. Descriptions do stay kind of weird, though. The winemaker says the 2013 vintage has a lengthy finish will leave you wanting more. YeahAhem.
Recommended Reading: What Snacks Go Good With Wine
Introduction Of Merlot Wine
Merlot entered the scene of wine grapes in the late 1700s. Hailing from the well-respected Bordeaux region of France, Merlot quickly gained traction as one of the most popular wine grapes in the world.
The grape can now be found in many countries including Australia, Chile, Israel, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, and is seeing a spread from the western United States to states like New York and Virginia.
Most believe Merlot gained popularity for its easy growing demeanor and drinkability. Known as a soft grape, it is tolerated well by most wine-drinkers and features lower tannins.
Merlot is often found in combination with other grapes as a blend. Bordeaux uses from 25 percent up to a majority of the blend depending on which part of the region produces the wine.
Merlot as a varietal seemed to gain popularity in the United States after a report was released that linked wine to certain health benefits. Many red wines saw a surge of sales after this report but Merlot was said to be easiest to drink .
Like Pinot Noir, Merlot was featured in the film Sideways. Unfortunately for the varietal, it was presented as a cheap wine reserved for only the least classy wine drinkers. Merlot seemed to take a hit and saw sales drop in the time following the movies release.
Why Is Red Wine The Colour That It Is
So, the first thing that we tend to find asked when Malaysians are buying red wine Malaysia comes from the tone and the colour. Many are interested in how red wine actually gets the colour that it does. Many assume that it comes from the juices of the grape. After all, if it is made with red/purple coloured grapes then it stands to reason that the wine would be the same colour, no?
Actually, this is incorrect as odd as that might be. Red wine comes in various styles, but the actual liquid itself is not red to begin with. Indeed, grape juice is a clear liquid and it tends to look more akin to an apple juice or a cider.
However, it is the skin of the grapes that helps to inject that flavoursome purple/red colour into any wines that we might be enjoying.
This happens as the wine ferments. The process begins to break down and eventually absorb the colour of the grape skins. Over time, this will slowly be absorbed into the liquid itself, turning it to that deep and loving red wine colour that we have all come to appreciate so much. The longer the wine stays in contact with the skin of the grape, the more powerful and intense the colouring of said grapes is going to become.
That is worth noting, as many people are not aware of this particular change when it comes to enjoying grapes. If you are looking for a way to really appreciate the taste and strength of some grapes, then you should absolutely look to the colour.
Recommended Reading: Will You Be My Bridesmaid Wine
How Did This Pesky Sugar End Up In My Wine
The sugar in wine is called Residual Sugar or RS.
That means the sugar in wine is what remains after grapes have gone through the winemaking process. Grapes contain fruit sugars and the residual sugar is whats left after yeast has chomped on those sugars.
Dry vs. Sweet WineDuring winemaking, yeast eats up sugar and makes ethanol as a by-product. When the yeast is able to eat up all the sugar the result is a dry wine higher in alcohol content and low in sugar. When the yeast is is stopped by a winemaker sugar remains and alcohol is lower.
Ready To Buy The Best Red Wines In Malaysia
Then you should take a look at our growing collection of bottles.
We are proud to have access to so many different red wines in Malaysia, making sure that you are never short on options. The red wine price in Malaysia is affordable if you come to the right wine store like LavoWine.com. Having a good quality red wine bottle is something that you should absolutely focus on, as it can be just what you are looking for to help complement the perfect meal.
With a bit of time spent reviewing bottles and brands, though, you can easily pick out the right bottle for you. So, which bottle of red wine in Malaysia do you think appeals to your taste and profile the most? Try the best wine delivery KL now at Lavowine.com
Read Also: What Wine Has The Lowest Calories
Finding The Most Recommended Merlot Wine
If you are a novice to selecting wine, ask more experienced wine buying friends and family for suggestions or, if they can recommend a wine shop with a trusted wine professional on staff. Many wine sellers will break down their recommendations by price after learning your taste preferences, while others make suggestions based on honors received in wine competitions.
Best Chillable Red: Domaine Chapel Charbonnires Fleurie
Courtesy of Vivino
Region: Fleurie, Beaujolais, France | ABV: 13% | Tasting Notes: Dried cherries, Potting soil, Pepper
After a chance meeting at the legendary Domaine Lapierre in Beaujolais, Michele Smith and David Chapel fell in love, relocated from New York and established their eponymous estate back in 2015.
Today, the duo is making some of the regions most exciting and easy-drinking wines, including this stunning cuvée from Fleurie. High-toned flavors of raspberries, dried cherries, potting soil, pepper and fresh-cut herbs lead to a thirst-quenching finish.
Read Also: What Wine Has The Lowest Calories
